Category Archives: News

Post navigation

G. Kevin Mathis, Jr., joins the Investor Advocacy Clinic for its fall 2018 semester. A graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Behavioral Sciences and an MBA from Saint Leo University, Kevin plans to help people resolve IP and Corporate law issues when he graduates in May 2019.

According to Kevin, he returned to the clinic because “Last semester I enjoyed helping investors who were not otherwise able to obtain legal assistance. Many investors suffer losses at the hands of their brokers, and they aren’t always able to obtain assistance. I want to make sure that those investors are able to get legal assistance and remedy their losses.”

My year in the Investor Advocacy Clinic exposed me to a wide range of topics and introduced me to Americans from many backgrounds and cultures. From working on education crossword puzzles, to helping families who were harmed, the Clinic has the opportunity to touch all aspects of American consumer life. In the Clinic we focus on four main programs, our FINRA dispute resolution matters, our partnership with the Georgia Secretary of State, educational outreach, and our blog. Each of these unwrap a wide range of dilemmas, legal analysis, and creative thinking. The Clinic prepares law students for the real world diversity of practicing law in a structure conducive to independent learning and personal responsibility. Continue reading →

Brook Ptacek joined the Investor Advocacy Clinic in fall 2018 and has returned this spring to continue her work with the Clinic. Brook is a full time 3L. She graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Mass Communication and French language. Brook will graduate from Georgia State University College of Law in May 2019.

Brook joined the clinic because of her interest in fighting for others who have been wronged. She says:

“The world is made up of two kinds of people: those who help others and those who help themselves. I’m here to fight for those people who otherwise cannot fight for themselves.”

Upon graduation, Brook will be practicing complex litigation in Atlanta.

Caitlyn Scofield is a student intern in the Investor Advocacy Clinic’s spring 2019 semester. Scofield completed her undergraduate at the University of Georgia where she obtained a B.S. in Political Science and a B.A. in Psychology. Scofield is excited to be a part of this clinic. She says:

“It provides a vital role in protecting and helping those investors that are unable to obtain legal services while simultaneously allowing law students to gain vital experience. This relationship helps investors gain the help they need while allowing the interns to gain the skills they need to help others.”

Caleb L. Swiney joins the Investor Advocacy Clinic for its spring 2019 semester. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in Economics and Business, Swiney plans to work in commercial law once he graduates in May 2019.

According to Swiney, he joined the clinic “To make a difference in real people’s lives. To me, the most exciting part about the legal profession has always been our ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives at a time when they need it most and, in doing so, hopefully shape businesses’ behavior by deterring them from engaging in deceptive practices.”

The SEC’s recent Investor Alert comes in the wake of history’s most devastating hurricanes. Riding the coat tails of devastation, con artists and fraudsters are capitalizing on the chaos and destruction. Recognizing the influx of cash and the kindness and virtue of others, these fraudsters manipulate situations in order to separate people from their money. Anyone can be vulnerable to their tactics.

If you have been affected by the storm and received a lump sum insurance payout, please be hyper-vigilant with your insurance proceeds. Continue reading →

Esmat Hanano rejoined the Investor Advocacy Clinic for its spring 2019 semester. A graduate of American University with a degree in philosophy, Hanano will graduate from the Georgia State University College of Law in May 2019.

Hanano came back to the clinic because he wants to use the skills he’s gained in the past year help those who otherwise would not be able to obtain a lawyer. He says:

“The Investor Advocacy Clinic serves as a tool for people who feel lost or overwhelmed when coming up against savvy brokers and firms.”

Upon graduation, Hanano hopes to clerk and then work as a federal prosecutor.